Low pressure but not low spirits meant a wet start on a Sunday more fit for autumn than high summer. Undeterred ten set off on Paul’s seventh odyssey and included old chums Rob & Theresa and soon-to-be new member Maureen. At least the rain was warm so layers were soon shed on reaching the station having left Brampton via a maze of cuts and ginnels.
TalkinTarn was the next familiar objective followed by quiet road walking through Farlam to eventually cross a lively River Gelt below Jockey Shield. Beefy showers didn’t seem to deter the midges so coffee at the well known 1½ benches was a truncated affair.
Frustration continued as waterproofs were on and off with great regularity as we bypassed Castle Carrock reservoir on the way to a dry lunch in a handy bus shelter near Faugh. Dryness was short-lived as the heavens opened around Head’s Nook making vertical swimming almost feasible!
Perversely warm sunshine soon followed as we quietly steamed dry through Fenton and Hayton. Self congratulations did not prevent further precipitation as we scurried back over Geltbridge to the accompaniment of much crashing and banging overhead. One particular flash and thunderclap seemed almost close enough to read our names on it!
All this excitement sharpened appetites and as usual Mary didn’t disappoint with another magnificent cream tea. Sadly this had to be enjoyed inside for the first time as the afternoon sunshine set off the immaculate garden to perfection!
